Adapted cups: Does anyone know where I can... - PSP Association

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Adapted cups

Kathy profile image
12 Replies

Does anyone know where I can get an adapted cup that DOESN'T look like a child's beaker?? Mum has difficulty tipping her head back far enough to drink properly but all the cups I've found are horrible and look so childish and aren't remotely dignified for an adult to use. Surely someone "out there" is making something that looks stylish and "normal" while still serving it's purpose?

Thanks

Kathy xx

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Kathy profile image
Kathy
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12 Replies
superman888 profile image
superman888

This is the type of beaker we used for a while:

"Handy Cup Beaker"

wheeliegoodmobility.co.uk/c...

ebay.co.uk/itm/Non-Spill-Be...

It is angled so the person does not have to push their head too far back. We also used to put a bending straw through the lid. We have the translucent one and they can usually be bought for about a tenner in a disability shop. Make sure it comes with the lid.

Kathy profile image
Kathy

Hi

Thanks for replying but I have seen things like this and was really looking for something that looks less like a child's beaker ;-) PSP robs you of enough dignity without having to be treated like a child!

barbren profile image
barbren

I have been using an ordinary mug with a straw for Mum recently. She is in the advanced stages of PSP now. I thicken it (with Thick and Easy) to the least amount that Mum needs to make it palatable and effective, this varies from day to day. Using a straw seems to be the best way to limit the amount of intake to avoid choking. I remove the straw and remind Mum to swallow and it seems to work quite well most of the time.

We had been using a straw with awful plastic, teastained cups for ages, but I have recently taken to using the mugs that the visitors or 'normal' people use. I agree about using normal utensils wherever possible.

It's strange how health care professionals want to 'ab-normalise' whenever they can, we were told to use a teaspoon to feed Mum where we had been using a fork when knife and fork became impossible, it looks so much more dignified and well-being' orientated.

Take care

Kathy profile image
Kathy in reply to barbren

Hi Barbren,

It makes me so mad that all the adapted aids etc look so awful :-(

Mum seems to have "forgotten" how to use a straw - if we put one in her mouth she just sits there and chews the end :-(

Maybe I'll design something?!?! ;-)

We have found both of these cups useful:-

kapitex.com/dysphagia/dysph...

kapitex.com/dysphagia/kapi-...

The first is easy to grasp; the second has less space for the fingers. Both make room for the nose so that the cups can be tilted back without the head needing to be so.

Kathy profile image
Kathy in reply to

Thanks Lily,

What I don't understand is why they all have to be plastic and brightly coloured???

I just find it so patronising :-(

barbren profile image
barbren

I think there is huge opportunity to design pretty and sophisticated things for caring for the unwell.

I want to design a hand held bidet for example, not only for the unwell but for everyone who likes to be clean! But how useful for the mobile incontinent person.

Kathy profile image
Kathy in reply to barbren

I couldn't agree more Barbren!! Just because someone is ill or disabled doesn't mean they stop wanting nice, "normal" things around them.

There is a definite gap in the market - any budding young entrepreneurs out there?!?!

anne-cliff profile image
anne-cliff

you know what they say - necessity is the mother of invention! Go for it when you have the time and energy. I think and organisation called remap may be able to help follow through any ideas.

Kathy profile image
Kathy in reply to anne-cliff

Thanks Anne that could be helpful! I'm reading a book about Roald Dahl and how he invented a new style of shunt for hydrocephalus after his son had repeated problems with the old style ones - very inspirational! As you say necessity is the mother of invention. :-)

hmfsli profile image
hmfsli

I have been pondering on this question and it struck me that if you don't ask you don't get! I have therefore e mailed Customer Services at Emma Bridgewater to suggest that they consider a new line. They produce both china and melamine tableware in some lovely designs. emmabridgewater.co.uk

I'll let you know if I get a response!

h

AmandaF profile image
AmandaF

Kathy, you are so right! I scoured the shops to find something and eventually found this at Mothercare...

mothercare.com/Mothercare-T...

Regards,

Amanda.

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